| Capital and Procurement
The Capital Project Technical Review process was successfully
launched in 2003. The process ensures that GlaxoSmithKline considers
environment, health, safety, security and loss prevention in the
design of new facilities and processes. By identifying environment,
health and safety (EHS) issues early in a project, we can engineer
facilities and processes that are efficient and safe for workers
and the environment while still being cost effective.
As GlaxoSmithKline standardises and streamlines its procurement systems, the purchasing department is building EHS considerations into their processes so that all new equipment meets EHS specifications. This is particularly critical in areas such as containment, noise control, ergonomics, machine guarding and energy management. We have developed checklists and other tools to assist engineers and EHS personnel with evaluating hazards and risks of capital projects to make sure that completed projects are safe and environmentally sound. Additional tools are planned for 2004.
New Product Development and Supply
A business process called the EHS Milestone Aligned Process (EHS MAP) has been created to help scientists identify and pro-actively address EHS issues during routine new product development and supply activities. Initiated in 2002, it has undergone extensive review and revisions in 2003 by Corporate, research & development and manufacturing EHS professionals, and the key business stakeholders who would be primarily responsible for carrying out EHS MAP activities. EHS MAP will be fully implemented and integrated into GlaxoSmithKline's new product development and supply processes in 2004.
EHS MAP should help ensure that:
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there is a better understanding and appreciation of EHS activities
that should be conducted throughout a product's life-cycle;
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new products and processes are developed that do not harm people,
property or the environment;
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best practice is implemented throughout the GlaxoSmithKline
network;
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staff are engaged and committed to making EHS integral to new
product development and supply.
As GlaxoSmithKline translates its high potential research & development
pipeline into new products, we believe EHS MAP will help identify
opportunities, such as improvements in process efficiencies and
elimination of waste, that will ultimately facilitate and speed
up the new product development and supply process.
Contract Manufacturers and Key Suppliers
GlaxoSmithKline uses contract manufacturers in a number of countries
to supply certain products for local markets, some intermediates
and active pharmaceutical ingredients and, in a few cases, for specialist
processes or technology. Initial agreements for new contract manufacturers
include EHS requirements based on the applicable standards. As existing
contract manufacturers renew their agreements, GlaxoSmithKline's
EHS requirements are included.
To ensure that these companies are managing EHS risks and impacts
responsibly, the internal EHS audit team conducts audits to assess
conformance with GlaxoSmithKline requirements and with legislation.
In addition, they conduct a programme of assessments of identified
key suppliers. Areas for improvement are highlighted to the contract
manufacturer or key supplier and progress is monitored.
In 2003, 28 key contract manufacturers and suppliers were assessed. EHS performance was generally acceptable and good in a number of cases; some exceptions were identified and are being followed up. The overall EHS Third Party Management Process was defined in 2003. It covers all EHS aspects related to selection through to the ongoing management of contract manufacturers and key suppliers. We also collected EHS data from seven key contract manufacturers and suppliers.
Safe Transport of Materials
Research and manufacture of pharmaceuticals involves transporting various chemical, biological and radioactive materials and products around the world. To ensure compliance with national and international transportation laws and conventions and to safeguard employees, the public and the environment, GlaxoSmithKline employs site-based transport safety advisors and specialists in business units that transport materials. Over 200 advisors in 40 countries take part in a global network that supports continuous improvement by sharing technical and regulatory information, best practices and lessons learned.
In 2003, GSK developed a centralized material hazard information
and classification system. The HazClass® System is designed
to provide GlaxoSmithKline sites with uniform, standardized hazard
information for world-wide transportation of dangerous goods. System
implementation began in 2003, and is projected for completion by
mid-2004.
Emergency Response and Crisis Management
The discovery, development and manufacture of pharmaceutical and consumer products involve the use of hazardous materials and processes. GlaxoSmithKline manages the risks associated with these materials and processes using sound engineering principles and robust EHS programmes. All sites also incorporate emergency response and crisis management programmes into their management plans. These programmes ensure that accidents would be effectively managed and that any impact on the site, community, environment, or business would be minimised.
During 2003 all manufacturing sites participated in an internal emergency response evaluation and improvement cycle. Each site evaluates its internal emergency response programmes as well as the technical capabilities of the community emergency response organisations. Action plans were developed to address all areas needing improvement.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
As part of business due diligence, GlaxoSmithKline employs an EHS due diligence business process to ensure that EHS aspects are fully assessed and integrated into decision making and the resulting provisions of contracts for transactions. A number of assessments were conducted during 2003.
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